In solo exhibition, Stamford artist brings cohesion to fragmented world

Scott Gargan, Staff Writer

Published 5:26 pm, Wednesday, February 9, 2011

It might be hard to observe through the fog of never-ending conflict and cold-hearted capitalism, but Robert Wilson sees the age of individualism fading into the past.

"What the future holds is a universal collectivism of all people," said Wilson, a Stamford artist. "Our attention is going to turn towards friendships with other people."

It is a prophecy that filters through his art, a collection of colorful, abstract paintings that portray man-made objects and human emotions.

"I try to find profound imagery that's subterranean, something deep that we can all share as human beings," Wilson said, adding, "I want to produce an art that people can all understand and appreciate."

Art lovers will have the chance to experience Wilson's work when the artist presents a solo exhibition of his paintings on Friday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery in Stamford. The exhibition is on view through March 18.

Inspired by the abstract expressionist movement of the mid-20th century, Wilson uses noir de vine oil crayons, graphite pencils and oil bar paints to create thick black shapes and scribbles with specks of bold, primary colors that flicker across the canvas.

While Wilson is concerned with cohesion, his work reflects a world in flux -- the lines and shapes dance with Pollock-esque spontaneity, creating the effect of a large mass that is still in the process of materializing.

"The world is getting fragmented before it can come together in meaningful cohesive wholes," Wilson said.

Another integral part of Wilson's philosophy is aesthetic frugality. In a statement on his website, Wilson explained, "There are too many images in most paintings. Background, foreground, images, colors, lines, forms, etc. Gently remove everything unnecessary until what is left is art." And that's exactly what he does. Rather than layer his work in embellishments, Wilson takes simple forms and "instills them with new grace."

A lifelong painter who has exhibited at the Francine Seders Gallery and the Metropolis Gallery of Seattle, Wilson was recruited by Alvarez after walking in off the street in October 2010. Alvarez compared Wilson's work to the Spanish master Joan Miro, who is known for his unique place between surrealism and abstract expressionism.

"Robert's work speaks of individuality in a very strong narrative," said Alvarez, a Colombian-American painter born in Greenwich. "They move you, and shake you. That's the kind of work that ends up in galleries and in the hands of high end collectors."

In fact, Wilson has one fan who owns a great deal of his work -- his son, "The Office" star Rainn Wilson, keeps many of his father's works in his home. Last December, Rainn Wilson tweeted in support of "Curiously Free," a group show at the FLA Gallery in which his father participated. Wilson added that there is a good chance his son will stop by for the opening of his show.

"We've had a mutually encouraging relationship," Wilson said of his son. "I would love to have him there."

A native of Chicago who later moved to Seattle, Wilson began painting seriously at the age of 15, and he never looked back. Aside from art, Wilson has written books on executive training and management and started his own business consulting firm, Top Shops International. He moved to Stamford in 2003.

Though Wilson admits the world can be a dreary, disconnected place, there are forces working to change it for the better. Ultimately, this is what he hopes to express in his art.

"Some people are out there busy destroying forms they see, figuratively speaking," Wilson said and "Others are trying to put things together for people everywhere."